Sánchez once again reaches out to Ukraine and Zelensky. Both presidents have signed a commitment which basically focuses on military aid to confront Russian attacks, despite the fact that last Friday Putin opened the door to negotiating peace to end the war. A pact that has a price: 1,129 million euros to reinforce its defenses.

A bilateral political security and defense agreement that also extends to areas such as humanitarian assistance, the reconstruction of the country and the search for a just and lasting peace based on international law. The amount triples 300 million in defense material Spain had handed over Zelensky since the start of the war.

“This unequivocal proof of support is now transferred to the bilateral level between Spain and Ukraine with an agreement of 1,000 million euros for 2024 that will allow Ukraine to strengthen its capabilities, including anti-aircraft defense. In addition, 15 million euros are committed to recovery, through the World Bank, for Moldova and Ukraine; 1.5 million euros to the United Nations Development Program for humanitarian demining in Ukraine; and 1.5 million euros in material and means of transport to strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities in the fight against crime and arms and people trafficking,” the Government explained through its website.

The details surrounding the agreements are kept hidden for security reasons between both countries, although Spain already sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine and the new shipments will include Leopard tanks and ammunition. In addition, the commitment between Spain and Ukraine oscillates in other areas. related to the war conflict, such as cooperation in intelligence, training, demining, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.

Sánchez himself has stressed that his Government is committed not only to the defense of Ukraine, but also to the reconstruction of the country that is devastated after the constant Russian attacks that have not stopped for more than two years. To this end, “building back better” will be encouraged, pursuing the objective of reducing the dependency and vulnerability in which the country is immersed. The main modus operandi will be center operations in promoting the green transitionfor which it will participate in development projects focused on energy efficiency and resilience and, specifically, in the adoption of measures for decarbonization.”

A pact aimed at the defense of Ukraine

Within the document presented by the Government it is clarified that the 1,129 million They have been intended for defense, not attack. An example of this is that anti-aircraft artillery is not for offensive, but for defensive movements, which are crucial to neutralize Russian attacks.

Another key point is the fight against crime. “The Ministry of the Interior of Spain will donate technological material and means of transportation to Ukraine for a value of more than 1.5 million euros to strengthen Ukraine’s operational capabilities in the fight against organized crime and trafficking in people and weapons, which constitute serious threats to the security of both countries,” it has been indicated in the agreement document.

Regarding the reconstruction of Ukraine, it not only focuses on the issue of offering monetary aid to make certain areas of the country habitable again, but also covers the issue of security and future prosperity of your democracy and the resilience of its institutions.

Finally, it is emphasized that it will be Russia is the one who has to face economic compensation in favor of Ukraine for the damage, loss and damage caused: “The Participants reaffirm that the Russian Federation is responsible for the damage and loss caused to persons, entities and Ukraine itself on its territory, and that it must pay for the reconstruction long term of Ukraine. Until it does so, in accordance with the Spanish legal system and international and European Union law, Russian assets in Spanish territory will remain immobilized.